All-Pro 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis sidelined again for Houston game with groin injury

SAN FRANCISCO – All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis is sitting out again for Sunday night's game against the Houston Texans because of a strained groin.

Willis also missed the NFC champion Niners' 35-11 win at St. Louis on Sept. 26 after getting hurt the previous week against the Colts.

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Willis, who practiced in a limited role during the week, worked out on the field at Candlestick Park on an unseasonably warm October afternoon, then met with the training and strength staff in the end zone shortly before inactives were announced.

Also inactive was cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who missed his second straight game with a knee injury. The 49ers are without linebacker Aldon Smith for the second straight game while undergoing treatment for substance abuse.